New York Dolls

The New York Dolls were an American rock band formed in New York City in 1971, who released two albums, New York Dolls (1973) and Too Much Too Soon (1974), before disbanding in 1976. Its classic lineup consisted of vocalist David Johansen, guitarist Johnny Thunders, bassist Arthur Kane, guitarist and pianist Sylvain Sylvain, and drummer Jerry Nolan; the latter two had replaced Rick Rivets and Billy Murcia, respectively, in 1972. In their appearance, they drew from drag fashion, wearing high heels, hats, satin, makeup, spandex, and dresses. In 2004, the New York Dolls reunited with a new lineup and later released three more albums. After a British tour with Alice Cooper in 2011, the Dolls disbanded again. By 2025, all original members of the New York Dolls had died: drummer Billy Murcia (1951–1972), guitarist Johnny Thunders (1952–1991), drummer Jerry Nolan (1946–1992), bassist Arthur Kane (1949–2004), guitarist Sylvain Sylvain (1951–2021), and lead singer David Johansen (1950–2025). Their music and stage presence played a key role in the development of punk rock and later glam punk, with their look inspiring the androgynous appearances of several glam metal bands in the 1980s. They influenced notable artists such as Morrissey, the Sex Pistols, Kiss, Mötley Crüe, Hanoi Rocks, Guns N' Roses, W.A.S.P., the Jesus and Mary Chain, the Undertones, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, David Bowie, Japan, Billy Idol, Terry Chambers, Def Leppard, R.E.M., the Replacements, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Marilyn Manson, the Cramps, the Libertines, and Manic Street Preachers.